FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF TAMPA
extravagantly welcoming  ·  radically inclusive  ·  evangelically courageous
FIELD OF FLAGS JANUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 10

One U.S. flag waves for each U.S. soldier killed in Afghanistan and Iraq since the beginning of the wars.  Over 4,000 flags create a field of hazy color: green mixed with reds and blues and white.  It will spread across the hillside above our parking lot, surround our newly dedicated Peace Garden by the sanctuary, and cover the slope below the picket-fenced playground.  There will be a board with all the names posted, and a description of why we are hosting the Field of Flags.  Our purposes are:

• To recognize the lives of each U.S. soldier who has been killed in a dignified and respectful way;
• To raise public awareness of the full cost of war;
• To lift up using our national energy to promote social justice as a practical way to a more lasting peace.

The idea originated at Somersville Congregational Church (UCC) in Connecticut several years ago.  Sadly, there were many fewer flags then.  Over time that congregation has loaned the growing set of 12" x 8" flags to churches in other states and of other denominations.  When Hayden Sutherland and I saw the Field of Flags in Somersville in May while at the UCC General Synod, we began exploring how to bring it to Florida.  The Social Action Committee asked our Church Council to bring the display here.

A couple of folks from Somersville even helped us set up the Field of Flags!  On Saturday, January 12, we read the names of each soldier aloud and held a Service of Recognition.

The display is, of course, open to the public.  In a true sense, we are creating a sacred space for people to reflect, grieve, pray, and become more aware.

The Field of Flags will be at First United through February 10.  Then we will be responsible to transport it to another congregation here in the Tampa Bay area.  The display will go to Miami in mid-March for a month before being shipped north.

SETTING UP THE FIELD OF FLAGS

First United Church of Tampa, UCC · 7308 E. Fowler Ave. · Tampa, FL 33617 · 813-988-4321